LeBron doubles down on Memphis diss, adds Milwaukee to cities he doesn’t like playing in – The Athletic
DALLAS — LeBron James did not back down from comments that emerged earlier this week in which he suggested the Memphis Grizzlies should relocate to Nashville.
Instead, the Los Angeles Lakers star pointed out to reporters Saturday that he actually took digs at two cities during his recent appearance on the “Bob Does Sports” YouTube show, while also clarifying that his comments on Memphis had nothing to do with the people who live in the city.
“Milwaukee was, too. Did they miss that one, too? They didn’t see that?” James said, making a point that his comment on Milwaukee did not get as much traction. “41 years old, it’s two cities I do not like playing in right now. That’s Milwaukee, and that’s Memphis. What is the problem?”
While appearing on the YouTube show last Thursday, James was asked about travel in the NBA at his age. James said that “it just wears on you more” before commenting on Milwaukee and Memphis.
“A random f—ing Tuesday in Milwaukee,” James said on the show. “Staying at the f—ing Hyatt at 41 years old. You think I want to do that s—? Being in Memphis on a f—ing random ass Thursday? I’m not like the first guy to even talk about it in the NBA. We’re all like, ‘You guys have to move. Go over to Nashville.’ You got Vanderbilt over there. You got NASCAR. You got a stadium. Don’t they got a hockey team, too?”
James did not stop at Memphis and Milwaukee when discussing NBA cities he doesn’t like playing in or the recent criticism he’s received. In addition to clarifying his comments on those two cities, James mentioned that he doesn’t like playing in Cleveland either.
The Akron, Ohio, star played his first seven NBA seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He returned to the Cavaliers in 2014 and led the franchise to four straight NBA Finals appearances, highlighted by a 2016 championship.
“I don’t like going home either … and I’m from there,” James said Saturday after practice ahead of a road game against the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday. “People are ridiculous. They also get mad at my son (Bronny) being on the (Lakers), too. So what are we talking about? People need to figure out other ways to put their energy to other things that’s important. Like seriously? I’m not talking about the city, like the people in Memphis. I don’t like staying at the Hyatt Centric. What’s wrong with that? Nothing! What are we talking about? … People need to chill the hell out.”
James’ comments drew criticism from media members and residents in Memphis after clips of the show emerged online. Memphis Mayor Paul Young responded to James by inviting him to his city.
“I would welcome the chance to turn your criticism into action in one of the most important cities in the world,” Young said in a Facebook post highlighting comments made by Stephen A. Smith and Kendrick Perkins on ESPN backing up Memphis. “Come to Memphis and roll around with me for a bit, and I will show you some of the culture and powerful investment opportunities in our City.”
Oddly enough, the Milwaukee Bucks hosted the Grizzlies on Sunday afternoon at the Fiserv Forum. Bucks head coach Doc Rivers was asked about James’ comments before the game, and he went a similar route as Memphis’ mayor.
“The way I read the Milwaukee thing, he didn’t take a shot at the city, he took a shot at the hotels,” Rivers said. “… So, yeah, let’s build a Four Seasons or a Ritz Carlton, I guess. I don’t know. But he cannot be talking about the city. Especially, listen, I’ve lived here twice, and (the way) this city has progressed from when I was in college (at Marquette University from 1980-1983) to now is night and day. So, I think we should trade for him. That would be my answer. And let him see Milwaukee, and I think he would change his tone.”
